Editor's Note

Welcome to the America’s Coolest Issue

It’s my favorite issue of the year, and here’s why.

Published

3 months ago

July 20, 2025

Pamela Mitchell PETS+ July-August 2025

Welcome to my favorite issue of the year. Each Jul-Aug, we announce the winners of our PETS+ America’s Coolest contest. It shines a spotlight on eight of the best independent pet businesses in the country, as chosen by a panel of PETS+ and industry judges (meet them on p.86).

Once again this year, it was a challenge to narrow down the list of nearly 40 finalists. Each of the pet businesses that entered qualify as cool in their own way, but through individual scoring and group ranking, we picked eight to honor and profile as America’s Coolest.

They are a diverse group, ranging from a 450-square-foot dog boutique to an 8,000-square-foot bird and exotics store. You’ll get to know them all well in the pages of PETS+ through May-Jun 2026.

You can meet them in person, too, if you’re attending SUPERZOO Aug. 13-15 in Las Vegas, NV. Thanks to contest sponsor SUPERZOO, the winners will receive their awards during a ceremony at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Show Floor Talks Stage. I hope you’ll join us to congratulate them.

Still shopping at that time? Then catch up with us at the Retailer & Emerging Brands Networking Experience, happening 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Mini Golf at Swingers. Just show your Retailer badge to enjoy food, drinks and fun on SUPERZOO and Elite Sponsor Catit. We’ll be helping to host as Media Sponsor, so please be ready to smile for the camera in between bites and sips.

One last note for the businesses that entered America’s Coolest this year and did not place in the top eight: Please enter again in 2026. Three of this year’s winners won with their second attempt. We’ll be waiting to help you with early-bird feedback come February 2026.

In the meantime, see you in Vegas!

Five Great Tips From This Issue That You Can Do Today

Create a School Supplies List. (Calendar, p.12)
Shoot customer videos in store. (To-Do List, p.14)
Plan with a painting, not a puzzle. (Business+, p.62)
Post your newsletters on Pinterest. (Tip Sheet, p.64)
Get on the Neighborhood Pet Store Day map. (Todd Dittman, p.96)

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